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Eagles tight end James Casey to undergo knee surgery

Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports
10:55 a.m. EDT May 23, 2013

Eagles tight end James Casey, shown with the Texans in 2012, will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage his knee and will be out of action for the rest of the spring.(Photo: Brett Davis,USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights

Casey had career-highs with 34 receptions, 330 yards and three touchdowns

The Eagles signed TE Will Shaw this week, surely in part to help take some reps in Casey's absence

Like any player getting used to Kelly's offense, Casey would surely benefit from OTAs and minicamp

Philadelphia Eagles tight end James Casey will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage his right knee and will be out of action for the rest of the spring, a team spokesman confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

The spokesman said Casey should be ready to go by the start of training camp.

The Eagles signed tight end Will Shaw this week, surely in part to help take some reps in Casey's absence. Shaw's addition is why the team waived running back Miguel Maysonet, who was claimed by the Cleveland Browns.

There was speculation cutting Maysonet, who received a $10,000 signing bonus, was a sign of a rift between general manager Howie Roseman and coach Chip Kelly. However, a person informed of the team's thinking said Casey's surgery meant the Eagles needed a roster spot for Shaw. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the Eagles didn't divulge the reason for the move, said running back was the position the team could afford to lose a body.

Casey signed a three-year deal with $14.5 million as one of the first additions for the Eagles in a busy opening few days in free agency. The former Houston Texans fullback/tight end is expected to play a key role in coach Chip Kelly's unorthodox offense.

Casey had career-highs with 34 receptions, 330 yards and three touchdowns, numbers that could spike with the Eagles because of the expected design of the offense and the up-tempo style that will result in more snaps.

Like any player getting used to Kelly's offense, Casey would surely benefit from more reps through the rest of organized team activities and minicamp, so being sidelined for the next month isn't ideal. Still, if all goes as well as planned, Casey should get plenty of time on the field in July and August.

The same goes for rookie Zach Ertz, who isn't allowed to practice with the team until he graduates from Stanford next month. Ertz is a second-round pick who is a similar "detachable" tight end, which means he can move around in formations instead of just lining up in the traditional tight-end spot.